1. My child does not meet the age requirement of your program, but meets the grade completion requirement. What do we do?

After having looked at our developmental profile chart you may discover that your child meets one of the requirements but not both. Our preference is that they at least meet the grade requirement but we strongly recommend that they also meet the age requirement. If you still feel this camp best meets your child's needs, you can petition the MarineQuest Director for an exception. All requests/petitions for student who do not meet both of the age/grade program requirements must be submitted via email to marinequest@uncw.edu. Any exception will be made at the discretion of the MarineQuest Director.

2. How can I register for your summer programs?

Hopefully by now you have been to the individual program websites and have determined the program and the dates you'd like your child to attend. Once you have done this, you can register your child online if they are in the following programs: Small Fry, Sea Squirts, Sea Safari, Sea Dawgs, Mermaids, Sea Sibs, Sea Chums, Coastal Cruisers, Cape Crusaders, Sea Angels, Sea Devils, Sea Mates, and Treasure SEAkers.

If your child is interested in our older programs (Coast Trek, Coastal GEMS, Turtle Trek, Shore Shots, Ocean Lab, Surf-n-Science Groms, Surf-n-Science, Sea GEMS, Sea LAB, Sea Shots, TECHNOcean, Sea Sports Science Olympiad, Oceans of Change, Ocean CHEMystery, Dive Hawks, Underwater Ichthyologist, O.C.E.A.N.S., and Oceans-17) they must first submit an application and a teacher recommendation form. To do this, go to our application page and following the link to your selected program. Once your child is accepted, we will send you the information that will let you register for this program.

3. I have already registered my child for the summer, what do I do next?

Once you have registered and paid, you should receive a confirmation e-mail. If you did not receive this e-mail please call the registration office at (910) 962-3195. Once you have registered you should receive a link to obtain your child's program welcome packet and confirmation forms. These packets will have all pertinent information regarding your program, where to go, what to bring, etc. If you have any additional questions please call the MarineQuest office at (910) 962-2640.

4. Do you offer scholarships?

Through the generosity of area donors, UNCW Youth Programs is able to offer a limited number of need-based (financial or at-risk youth) scholarships to North Carolina residents for select commuter programs. If you have further questions or would like to be considered for a scholarship please email us at marinequest@uncw.edu to be put on our waiting list.

Yes, payment plan information is program specific. To establish a payment plan you will be required to pay your program's minimum deposit at the time of your registration, followed by installments. Full payment will be required by April 1, with additional payment(s) in between. If you have payment plan questions please call the registration office at (910) 962-3195.

6. I am only 16 years old and want to attend Oceans-17, is this possible?

The Oceans-17 program is designed for our oldest students. However, if you have previously completed a summer session in our O.C.E.A.N.S. or Ocean CHEMystery, you may apply to attend Oceans 17.

7. I have sent in my summer application but have not heard back. Have I been accepted yet?

The most likely reason you have not heard back from us is that we are still waiting to receive your teacher recommendation form. If you are positive that your teacher has sent the form to us, please contact us we will attempt to resolve the problem. You may also want to check your "spam" or "trash" folder in your e-mail account. We have noticed that G-mail accounts often "spam" out e-mails sent from addresses marked with .edu.

8. I want to register my child for your program next week, but the website says I have to register by the Wednesday before it starts. Can I still register?

Due to planning and reservations of summer activities, we must have all our student information into us no later than the Wednesday before your program begins. Please consider joining us for the following week of camp. In extreme circumstances, you can petition the MarineQuest Director for an exception or call the registration office at (910) 962-2640.

9. Where will I drop off and pick up my child?

All pick-up and drop-off will happen on the UNCW campus unless otherwise noted. The exact location will be sent to you in your camper welcome packet. These packets will be made available to you when your registration is complete.

10. What does my child need to bring with them to your program?

This information will be available to you when your registration is complete and you are provided a link to your student's welcome packet. One of the most important items your child will NEED to have is a water bottle with them every day.

11. Does my child need to know how to swim?

While it doesn't hurt to know how to swim, it is not necessary. MarineQuest can provide floatation devices and PFDs while in or near the water and your child will never be forced to go into any water against their will. MarineQuest employs certified lifeguards that supervise all water-based activities.

12. Where will residential students be housed?

MarineQuest residential students are housed along with our Residence Life staff in UNCW dormitories on campus. These dormitories have 24-hour surveillance and A/C. Males and females are separated in the dorms and have their own bathroom facilities. MarineQuest also has staff on-call 24 hours a day in case of emergencies. Roommates will be randomly assigned unless you or your child specify otherwise. Rooms are usually shared by two students of the same age.

13. My child needs to submit a teacher recommendation for the application, but school is over and we cannot get in touch with a teacher. What should we do?

You must provide a copy of a report card (the most current one) as well as a letter of recommendation from an individual that has observed your child in a learning or group environment. For examples, scout leaders, youth group leaders, etc.

14. What is your cancellation policy?

To ensure that our programs are of the highest quality, we plan, schedule activities, and hire staff months before summer begins. Therefore, last minute cancellations are particularly difficult for us to fill since most students have already made other arrangements for the summer. To view our full cancellation policy, visit the cancellation policy link under the appropriate camp web page.

15. My child will need to fly to Wilmington to attend the program. How do I make this happen?

The MarineQuest staff is more than happy to pick-up and drop-off students at Wilmington International Airport at no cost. An airline request form is required. For more information, see our MarineQuest Airline Information Page.

16. I do not have access to a scanner, how can I upload my supplemental forms?

We prefer electronic forms whenever possible. If you don't have access to a scanner but you have a smart phone, try JotNot for iOS or Document Scanner for Android. If you don't have access to a smart phone or a scanner you will need to contact MarineQuest directly to make special arrangements for the submission of documents by calling (910) 962-2640.

17. What type of water will I be SCUBA diving in for my program?

If you are participating in program that includes some level of SCUBA diving you may dive in confined water, open water, or both. The type of water you will dive in depends on caliber of diving you will do. Confined water dives take place in a pool or pool-like conditions. Open water dives may take place in the ocean and/or lake. If weather or rough seas prevent a scheduled open water ocean dive to take place we will typically relocate to an open water lake.

18. Does my program require Divers Alert Network (DAN) insurance?

If you are participating in program that includes some level of SCUBA diving, you will be required to register for DAN insurance. The type of insurance required depends on the program you are registerd for. Sea GEMS and Sea LAB qualify for Free Student Insurance. While Dive Hawks, Sea Shots, Underwater Ichthyologist, and Oceans-17 require paid insurance. This can range from $65-$75 depending on location. For more information, please visit DAN's website at http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/insurance/